Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in Alaska

From the majestic peak of Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, to the dancing aurora borealis that lights up winter skies, Alaska is famous for awe‑inspiring natural wonders—and equally unique educational challenges. Roughly 70 percent of the state’s 132,000 K-12 students live in remote or rural communities, many of which are only reachable by bush plane or boat. Recruiting and retaining qualified teachers for these far‑flung districts is a perennial struggle: recent state reports projected over 350 open certificated positions heading into the the school year. To address shortages, the Alaska Legislature has increased annual retention bonuses and launched “Grow Your Own” programs that fund graduate studies for local paraprofessionals.

Against this backdrop, earning a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in Alaska positions educators for leadership roles, salary differentials, and high‑impact service in frontier schools. Whether you live in Anchorage, teach on the Kenai Peninsula, or serve a Yup’ik community along the Lower Kuskokwim, you can pursue accredited programs that blend online flexibility, condensed summer institutes, and paths to Alaska Professional Teacher certification. This guide ranks Alaska’s top M.Ed. programs, highlights the quickest and most affordable degrees, demystifies licensure, and maps the specialties and employers that value advanced credentials.

Home > Schools > Alaska

A program’s placement below reflects five weighted factors: CAEP accreditation, student outcomes, affordability, speed to completion, and faculty credentials. Full scoring details live on our methodology page.

2026 Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in Alaska

Are you thinking about getting a Master's in Education in Alaska? At mastersineducation.org, we've put together a list of the best degree programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our rankings highlight schools that offer strong academics and good support for students. We use a clear method to make sure our picks are fair and useful for you. https://mastersineducation.org/rankings-methodology/

#1

University of Alaska Southeast

Juneau, AK - Public 4-Year - uas.alaska.edu

Master's - M.Ed. Educational Leadership

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Southeast's M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is a hybrid program designed for experienced teachers with at least three years in public schools, focusing on developing strategic leadership skills for Alaska's unique educational environment. It uses a cohort-based model with practical training in curriculum development, educational research, and mandatory internships in Alaskan districts. The program does not require a specific entrance exam, but emphasizes hands-on administrative experience and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.

Hybrid program format
Cohort learning model
Alaska-specific training
3+ years teaching required
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Internship in Alaska schools
Summer and semester courses
Administrative leadership focus

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

This hybrid Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education at the University of Alaska Southeast prepares candidates for K-8 certification through 35 credit hours of coursework, including multicultural education and inclusive teaching strategies. It integrates online learning with field experiences and student teaching internships across Alaska. An entrance exam, such as the Praxis, is required for certification, and the program mandates a minimum 3.0 GPA, leading to both a master's degree and initial teaching certification.

Hybrid online/on-site program
K-8 teaching certification
35 total credit hours
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Student teaching internship
E-learning platform
Praxis exam requirement
Multicultural education focus
Inclusive teaching strategies

Master's - Special Education, M.Ed.

Online Learning - Visit Website

The online M.Ed. in Special Education at the University of Alaska Southeast focuses on culturally responsive services for students with disabilities, tailored to Alaska's diverse and remote communities. It requires 33 credit hours, a 3.0 GPA, and the Praxis II exam for admission. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexible evening courses and covers inclusive education, assessment strategies, and a master's research project to advance careers in special education.

Online e-Learning format
33 minimum credit hours
GPA requirement 3.00
Praxis II exam required
Designed for working professionals
Culturally responsive curriculum
Flexible evening courses
Alaska Native education focus
Master's Research Project required

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary and Middle Grades Education

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

This 11-month hybrid Master of Arts in Teaching for secondary and middle grades at the University of Alaska Southeast prepares educators for grades 6-12 through 34 graduate credits, synchronous e-learning, and a full-time teaching internship in Alaska. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, strong content knowledge, and passing scores on the Praxis exam. The program emphasizes real-world classroom experience and does not explicitly state that an entrance exam is not required.

11-month graduate teaching program
Full-time teaching internship
34 total graduate credits
Synchronous e-Learning format
Grades 6-12 certification
3.0 GPA minimum requirement
Praxis exam prerequisite
Content area specialization

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education at the University of Alaska Southeast offers initial certification for K-12 settings, focusing on culturally responsive services for students with disabilities in Alaska's diverse environments. It requires 39 credit hours, a 3.0 GPA, two recommendation letters, a writing sample, and passing scores on the Praxis Core/CASE exam. The program includes evening and online courses, student teaching, and covers topics like assessment, curriculum strategies, and multicultural education, catering to working professionals.

Online program format.
Focuses on special education.
Culturally responsive services.
39 credit hours required.
Evening and online courses.
Initial teacher certification.
Prepares for K-12 settings.
Emphasizes Alaska's diversity.
Requires bachelor's degree.
3.00 GPA for admission.

Show 4 More Programs ˅

#2

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK - Public 4-Year - uaf.edu

Master's - Master of Education in Special Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an online Master of Education in Special Education, designed for K-12 educators to enhance skills in supporting students with disabilities. It features an almost 100% job placement rate, Exemplary Status by Quality Matters, and training in teaching strategies, legal requirements, and culturally responsive education. The program provides initial certification or additional endorsement pathways, with costs ranging from $15,155 to $24,605. No entrance exam is required for admission.

Online with synchronous meetings
Exemplary Quality Matters status
100% job placement rate
Initial certification option
Program cost $15-25k
Culturally responsive training
Flexible learning formats

Master's - Master of Education in Elementary Education

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Fairbanks provides a hybrid Master of Education in Elementary Education, preparing educators for urban and rural Alaskan classrooms with a focus on multicultural education and Alaska Native learning. It offers flexible hybrid learning, K-8 certification, CAEP accreditation, and opportunities for professional growth. No entrance exam is required for admission.

Hybrid learning options
K-8 teacher certification
Alaska Native knowledge focus
Up to six years completion
CAEP accredited program
Fieldwork and mentorship
Average AK teacher salary $74,070

Master's - Master of Education in Secondary Education

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a hybrid Master of Education in Secondary Education for first-time licensure, preparing teachers for grades 7-12. It includes a culturally responsive curriculum, yearlong internship, high job placement rate, and CAEP accreditation. No entrance exam is required for admission.

Master's with teacher licensure
Hybrid learning format
Grades 7-12 certification
Yearlong mentored internship
High job placement rate
Culturally responsive curriculum
On-campus and distance options
CAEP accredited program

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#3

University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK - Public 4-Year - uaa.alaska.edu

Master's - Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, a two-year hybrid program designed for aspiring principals and educational leaders. It combines online coursework with practical experiences, including a year-long internship, and is accredited by CAEP and NELP. The curriculum focuses on organizational change, culturally responsive leadership, and strategic management, preparing graduates for administrative credentials in Alaska. No entrance exam is required for this master's program.

Two-year graduate program
CAEP and NELP accredited
Online cohort learning
Year-long principal internship
Leads to administrative credential

*NCES IPEDS database, 2024 release. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Learn more about our methodology

Fastest M.Ed. Programs in Alaska

Traditional master’s tracks span two academic years, but a handful of Alaska institutions compress coursework and field experiences into 12–18 months. These quick, short, accelerated options combine year-round eight-week terms with intensive summer residencies—ideal for teachers who want to upskill between school years.

School	Specialty	Program Length	Format
University of Alaska Southeast	Reading Specialist	12 months	Fully online
University of Alaska Fairbanks	Online Innovation & Design	12–15 months	Online + summer institute
Alaska Pacific University	K–8 Education (MAT)	14 months	Hybrid cohort
University of Alaska Anchorage	Education Technology	15 months	Online
UAF	Special Education	16 months	Online + rural internship
UAA	Educational Leadership	16 months	Hybrid

Looking for more programs that finish fast? See more accelerated programs in our dedicated roundup.

Cheapest M.Ed. Programs in Alaska

Graduate tuition in Alaska skews higher than the national average—thanks to small class sizes and the state’s cost of living—but the six affordable, low‑cost, budget‑friendly choices below keep costs manageable, especially for in‑state or fully online students.

School	Specialty	Tuition Range*
University of Alaska Southeast	Multiple (UAS Online)	$489/credit in‑state
University of Alaska Fairbanks	Special Education	$513/credit in‑state
University of Alaska Anchorage	Teaching & Learning	$545/credit in‑state
Alaska Pacific University	K–8 Education (MAT)	$650/credit with tuition grant
UAF	One Health & Wellness Education	$513/credit in‑state
UAS	Educational Technology	$489/credit in‑state

*Figures reflect 2024–25 published tuition; fees and residency rules vary. For a deeper dive into pricing, explore the full list of affordable programs.

What Master’s in Education Degrees Lead to Alaska Teacher Licensure?

Alaska offers two primary graduate pathways for candidates seeking initial certification or an upgrade:

Licensure Path	Certification Tier	Key Alaska Requirements	Typical Format
Initial Program (Graduate Certificate → M.Ed.)	Professional Teacher	Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, Praxis II content exam, Alaska studies & multicultural coursework	36–42 credits; online + clinical internship
M.Ed. Upgrade to Type B Admin	Principal/Administrator	Alaska Professional Teacher cert., 3 yrs teaching, praxis School Leadership, background check	30 credits; hybrid + leadership practicum

For application packets, fingerprinting, and reciprocity rules, see our full teaching‑licensure guide.

Are Online Master’s in Education Programs Available in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska’s public universities have pioneered distance education since the 1970s to reach bush communities. Today, fully online M.Ed. tracks offer asynchronous lectures, Zoom office hours, and supervised practicums arranged in a student’s home district. Online study removes costly travel but does entail tech‑fee surcharges and requires reliable broadband—spotty in some villages. If you need a niche specialty (e.g., TESOL) not offered locally, consider reputable national programs. Compare pros, cons, and FAQs on our online M.Ed. programs resource.

Pros of Online Study

Study from any Alaskan community without relocating
In‑state tuition rates for distance learners
Modular eight‑week courses that fit fishing‑season or subsistence schedules

Potential Drawbacks

Bandwidth challenges in remote villages
Limited on‑campus networking events
Added tech fees ($50–$150/term)

Admissions Requirements for M.Ed. Programs in Alaska

Expect a familiar checklist:

Bachelor’s degree with 2.75–3.0 GPA
Official transcripts from all institutions
GRE or Praxis Core scores (often waived for GPAs ≥ 3.0)
Résumé detailing professional or rural teaching experience
Two–three recommendation letters (principal, cultural mentor, or professor)
Personal statement focused on serving Alaska’s diverse communities
Background check before field placements

Popular Master’s in Education Specialties in Alaska

Alaska’s unique context drives demand for targeted graduate concentrations:

Reading Specialist
Educational Leadership
Special Education
Online Innovation & Design
Indigenous Education
STEM Education

Top Employers & Districts Hiring M.Ed. Graduates

Alaska’s constellation of urban and rural districts, plus statewide agencies, offers diverse roles for master’s‑level educators:

Anchorage School District – largest in the state, over 43,000 students
Matanuska‑Susitna Borough School District – fastest‑growing enrollment
Lower Kuskokwim School District – 27 village schools accessible only by air or river
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District – home to Fort Wainwright & Eielson Air Force Base
Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) – curriculum, assessment, and teacher support
Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) – statewide training & policy initiatives

For salary ranges—from Anchorage’s urban differential to rural stipend packages—visit our M.Ed. Salary Guide.

Your Next Step Toward a Master’s in Education in Alaska

Ready to turn your commitment to Alaskan youth into transformative public service and accelerated career development? Accredited M.Ed. programs across the Last Frontier deliver flexible schedules, tuition assistance, and direct routes to licensure and leadership. Elevate your impact—and your earnings—by choosing the degree that fits your goals. Tap the button below to compare programs, request information, and start your master’s journey today.

Sources

Teacher Recruitment & Retention 2024 Report – Alaska Department of Education & Early Development
“ Graduate Tuition & Fees 2024–25” – University of Alaska Fairbanks
“ Distance Education Tuition Schedule” – University of Alaska Southeast
Grow Your Own Educator Program Overview – Alaska Legislative Finance Division
“ District at a Glance 2024” – Anchorage School District

Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in Alaska

Table of Contents